Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Pastalini – San Diego
Pastalini - San Diego
Photo from Pastalini
Pastalini at a glance
San Diego Miramar
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 92 of the guests
#196 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#11 Italian Restaurant out of 19 in San Diego
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
464
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Customizable pasta
- Good value
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Uncomfortable seating
- Food variations
The restaurant Pastalini, an Italian Restaurant in San Diego’s Miramar neighborhood, offers a delightful culinary experience. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
With options ranging from healthy choices to a full salad bar, plus wine, coffee, and beer, it’s a versatile spot for any craving. Whether you’re looking for dine-in, takeout, or even no-contact delivery, Pastalini has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Pastalini
Pastalini offers a compelling Italian experience, often praised for its `delicious pasta` and `affordable` pricing. Many guests appreciate the generous portions and the ability to customize their meals, making it a solid choice for a satisfying plate.
However, some visits have been marred by issues like `waiting time` and occasional staff interactions that fell short. While the food generally impresses, a few diners have noted inconsistencies in dish quality and the comfort of the `uncomfortable chairs` in the dining area.
Good
8
out of 10
464
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
63
negative
25
neutral
376
positive
Pastalini generally earns a solid reception, reflected in its `Restaurant Score` of `8` and a `Customer Satisfaction` of `81%`. These figures, drawn from 464 customer remarks, with 376 positive and 63 negative, indicate a largely positive dining experience.
Most patrons find the offerings to be quite good, suggesting a reliable choice for Italian fare. Delving into specifics, the `Food` stands out with a strong (8.1), frequently mentioned for its quality and variety.
`Value` also scores well at (8.3), indicating that guests feel they get a good return for their money. The `Ambience` (7.9) and `Service` (7.7) are considered good, though they don’t quite reach the same heights as the food and value.
What people like
- Customizable, delicious pasta
- Affordable, good value
- Helpful, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Uncomfortable chairs
- Occasional food inconsistencies
Pastalini presents a generally positive dining option, particularly if you appreciate customizing your Italian meal at a reasonable cost. With a `Recommendation Score` of `8.3`, it’s a place that many find worth a visit for its core offerings.
While you might encounter some service hiccups or less-than-ideal seating, the overall experience, especially the food and value, often shines through. If you’re seeking a casual spot for a satisfying and affordable pasta dish, Pastalini is certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pastalini
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a strong score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at a solid 82.7%, its clear that most diners are leaving happy. Many rave about the innovative pasta your way concept, the generous portions, and the great flavor of the fresh pasta, among other customizable options.
This positive sentiment is echoed in 225 positive comments out of 272 total opinions. However, a few diners have noted some areas for improvement. While generally well-received, there were occasional mentions of an awful aftertaste in some pasta dishes, overly salty dishes like calamari or salmon, and sometimes even undercooked ingredients.
A small number of the 30 negative comments also pointed to portions feeling smaller than expected at times.
Food
272
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
30
negative
17
neutral
225
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Build-your-own pasta
- Generous portions
- Fresh, tasty food
What people don't like
- Salty dishes
- Undercooked food
- Pasta aftertaste
Often praised
- foodThe pasta at Pastalini is simply exquisite, evoking memories of beloved local Italian restaurants from my New York days – the kind of food that feels like a hug. What's even better is that it's incredibly affordable without compromising on quality; truly amazing food that won't break the bank. However, what truly elevates Pastalini is the phenomenal staff.
- pastaHands down, this place serves the best pasta in San Diego. The service was great, the atmosphere was chill, and the prices were very reasonable.
- portionsMy experience at the restaurant was absolutely delicious! The prices were fantastic for the good portions, and I loved that we could custom order exactly what we desired. The garlic rolls were soft and yummy, and best of all, all of the kids enjoyed their creations.
- FoodMy experience at this restaurant for brunch was exceptional. I was blown away by the quality of the food. The eggs Florentine were absolutely delicious, featuring perfectly poached eggs and a rich hollandaise sauce.
- calzonethe calzone, and it was very delicious
- saucesAll their sauces were delicious
- garlic knotsThey offer an excellent choice in toppings. A bonus was that each order comes with a free side of garlic knots! The concept is similar to a Subway, where everything is already cooked.
- pizzaMy favorite is the Pasta your way, I usually get Angel Hair Pasta with Vodka sauce. They also have great salads and pizza.
- sauceThe sauce balances acidity and sweetness perfectly
- toppingstoppings are all good and fresh
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was alright. It tasted like something I'd receive from a public school cafeteria.
- pastaregular size pasta has become noticeably smaller
- Salmon Caesar SaladThe Salmon Caesar Salad for delivery, and it was a disaster
- amount of toppingsamount of toppings has also decreased
- bottle IPABottle IPA probably exceeded it's shelf life as it had gone skunky
- calamaricalamari was extremely salty
- chickenThe chicken on the cesar salad was just barely warm.
- flavor profileThe salmon is so salty that it is already inedible. I cannot recommend this dish due to its disappointing flavor profile.
- forksbroke our forks while attempting to cut up the roasted cheese
- fountain drinksno fountain drinks, bottles or canned only
If you love customizable Italian food and generous servings, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that a few dishes might occasionally miss the mark on seasoning or cooking, but overall, it's a solid choice for a tasty meal.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
The service here generally shines, scoring a solid 7.7, indicating a good experience. With a strong 75.6% customer satisfaction, many guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff. Out of 119 total remarks, 90 were positive, often highlighting great service, personable staff, and excellent customer service, noting their attentiveness and quick order fulfillment.
However, not all visits are perfect, with 25 negative comments. Some guests unfortunately encountered rude behavior and rude people, mentioning staff who were unhelpful or even discriminatory. There were also instances of long waiting time and employees not acknowledging customers, which can definitely put a damper on a visit.
Service
119
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
25
negative
4
neutral
90
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Personal customer service
What people don't like
- Rude staff behavior
- Long waiting times
- Lack of acknowledgement
Often praised
- serviceHowever, I felt the portion sizes could be a little more for the price. Despite this, the good quality ingredients and fast, friendly service were commendable. My first update detailed trying the calamari, which turned out to be a "big mistake" due to being extremely salty.
- staffphenomenal staff. They are consistently friendly, incredibly helpful, and genuinely fun
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceI typically enjoy the food here and have had great customer service in the past. As of today, that has changed.
- AxelAxel working there who helped us, he is sooo friendly
- BriannaBrianna was professional yet friendly
- Hostess with the MostessBrianna, the Hostess with the Mostess!!
- Javier and JordanJavier and Jordan for working so hard
- Jordan and MayaJordan and maya have always served us with the best attitude and hospitality
- JordynJordyn was especially great to work with
Frequently criticized
- waiting timeAn hour later they were no where near having it done
- orderDespite the restaurant being almost empty, the staff was very short and seemed to view customers as an inconvenience. This was compounded when they messed up my order and then proceeded to argue about it.
- staffVery rude and racist staff
- Google appgoogle said open but was closed
- acknowledgementAs of today, that has changed. I walked in and I admit they were busy, however, not 1 single staff member out of the 3 (2 males, 1 female) acknowledged me verbally nor with eye contact. This is unfortunate because I’ve raved about this place.
- argumentDespite the restaurant being almost empty, the staff was very short and seemed to view customers as an inconvenience. This was compounded when they messed up my order and then proceeded to argue about it.
- customersCustomers seem like they're more an inconvenience
- discriminationbeing discriminated against for not knowing much about pasta
- doorweb and door say they're open till 8
- employeeThe service was great, too. However, there was one employee who walked away while taking my order and started making my pizza, and I still had some toppings I wanted to add to my 10" pizza.
Overall, the service here is generally a strong point, with many guests enjoying friendly and efficient interactions. While most visits are positive, be aware that a few customers have reported issues with rudeness or slow attention. If you value a welcoming atmosphere, its likely a good bet, but keep in mind theres a slight chance of a less-than-stellar encounter.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a highlight! With a good score of 7.9 and 80% customer satisfaction, many guests rave about the great atmosphere, often described as modern, cozy, and chill. Folks appreciate the cleanliness and family-friendly feel, plus the plenty of parking and unique bar-style setup.
This positive sentiment comes from 40 positive remarks out of 50 total. However, not everyone is completely charmed. A few guests (7 negative remarks) found the atmosphere uninviting or were disappointed.
Some mentioned the music choice wasn't to their preference, and others felt the decor and furnishings could use an upgrade, specifically citing uncomfortable steel chairs.
Ambience
50
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Very clean place
- Ample parking
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable chairs
- Uninviting decor
- Music choice
Often praised
- atmospherecreate such a wonderful atmosphere that even for a romantic date, it works perfectly
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- conceptMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, and I loved the concept. While there can be a bit of a wait when it gets busy, it's definitely worth it.
- parkingIn the evening, spots right in front are plentiful
- RestaurantClean Restaurant
- bar-style setuptheir unique bar-style setup is fantastic!
- cleanIt's so clean & the staff is very friendly.
- cleaning checksthe cleaning checks ✔️
- cleanlinessIf there were 10 stars, I would give it! The food was amazing, super clean, and delicious. The service was rated 5/5, and the atmosphere also received a 5/5.
- dine inDine in or take out it’s a win!
Frequently criticized
- atmospheredisappointed at the atmosphere
- decor and furnishingsThe decor and furnishings could be easily upgraded
- kid friendlyNon kid friendly
- music choiceMusic choice was not my preference
- salad barPeople speak with their mouth on top of the salad bar that stays uncovered
- steel chairsabout the most uncomfortable steel chairs you could possibly find
If youre looking for a generally pleasant and clean spot with good parking and a nice vibe, youll likely enjoy it. Just be aware that the decor and seating might not be everyone's cup of tea, and the music could be hit or miss.
Value (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8.3 and an excellent customer satisfaction rating of 91.3%, its clear guests are thrilled. Out of 23 opinions, a whopping 21 rave about the "prices, " "value, " "great price, " and how "affordable" everything is, often noting generous portions for the cost.
However, theres one small point to consider. A single opinion mentioned that adding protein can be expensive. While this is a minor concern among many positives, its worth keeping in mind if youre looking to customize your meal.
Value
23
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Protein add-ons expensive
Often praised
- pricesthe prices weren’t bad considering how filling everything was
- priceI ordered the calzone, and it was very delicious. I couldn't believe how big it was for the price. I absolutely recommend this establishment to anybody that loves Italian food.
- price per personThey offer dietary options like gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan. The price per person is $10–20, and it's highly recommended for vegetarians. I visited for dinner as a party of 1 person and found plenty of parking.
- PricesPrices are fair
- affordabilityincredibly affordable without ever compromising on quality
- affordabledishes that were very affordable
- affordable placean affordable place
- great priceat a great price
- price pointvery good food for the price point
- reasonable pricesreasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- adding proteinAdding protein is expensive
If youre looking for a place where your money goes a long way, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Youll likely find delicious food and generous portions at very reasonable prices, though be mindful of potential extra costs for protein add-ons.
How are the prices at Pastalini?
You’re looking at roughly $18 per person – reported by 92 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what everyone else is spending, it’s clear most folks are sticking to that $11–$20 sweet spot, with only a handful venturing into the pricier options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 92 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for an Italian spot. Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pastalini
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Best Pasta in San Diego!
Hands down, this place serves the best pasta in San Diego. The service was great, the atmosphere was chill, and the prices were very reasonable. I highly recommend this restaurant for its food, service, and atmosphere.
- pasta10
- service9
- atmosphere9
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
My Go-To Pasta Spot!
This is my go-to pasta spot in San Diego. I’d come every day if I could. The food’s excellent, prices are solid, portions are big, and the service is always amazing.
- food10
- prices8
- portions9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Solo Dining
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Experience with Caring Manager!
My experience at this restaurant was always amazing with great employees! The manager, Jordy, truly cares about the community she serves. The food was rated a 5, and the service was also a 5.
The atmosphere received a 5. They offer dietary options like gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan. The price per person is $10–20, and it's highly recommended for vegetarians.
I visited for dinner as a party of 1 person and found plenty of parking.
- food10
- employees10
- manager Jordy10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Pastalini: A Pasta Revelation!
After trying pasta at countless places and being let down by bland sauces, Pastalini was a revelation. I had the spaghetti w/meat sauce, garlic, parmesan, and mozzarella; simple yet executed with precision. The sauce balances acidity and sweetness perfectly, and the ingredients meld into a cohesive, flavorful whole.
This is proof that careful technique and quality ingredients can turn fast-casual pasta into something exceptional. Wish I had known about Pastalini sooner.
- spaghetti w/meat sauce9
- sauce10
- ingredients9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Hidden Gem with Customizable Pasta!
Tucked away in a modest strip mall, Pastalini might be easy to overlook — but trust me, you don’t want to miss this hidden gem! The pasta bar concept is brilliant! You can choose your favorite noodles, sauce, protein, and toppings to create a customized meal exactly the way you like it.
With so many combinations, you could visit over and over and never have the same dish twice! My latest creation was tortellini with sun-dried tomato sauce and chicken. It was bursting with flavor and absolutely satisfying.
Even the small size was a generous portion and came with a side of warm garlic bread. The menu truly has something for everyone, whether you’re craving comfort food, something light, or just looking to get creative with your meal. Pastalini is a must-try for pasta lovers!
- hidden gem9
- pasta bar concept10
- tortellini with sun-dried tomato sauce and chicken9
What Pastalini offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Salad bar
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Pastalini in Miramar accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Pastalini is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. You’ll also find free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space available for your convenience.
What kind of dining options and offerings can you expect at Pastalini?
At Pastalini, you can enjoy a variety of dining options, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with seating available. They offer healthy options, a salad bar, vegetarian choices, and beverages like wine, coffee, and beer, perfect for a quick bite or a full meal.
How does Pastalini generally rate with customers?
Pastalini receives a `Restaurant Score` of `8` and a `Customer Satisfaction` of `81%`. Its `Food` (8.1) and `Value` (8.3) are particularly well-regarded, with `Ambience` (7.9) and `Service` (7.7) also scoring well.
What do customers appreciate most about Pastalini?
Diners frequently praise the `delicious pasta` and the ability to `customize` their meals. The `affordable` pricing and `friendly staff` are also commonly highlighted as positive aspects.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Pastalini?
Some customers have noted `inconsistent service`, including `waiting times` or occasional staff issues. The `uncomfortable chairs` and certain `food inconsistencies` like overly salty dishes have also been mentioned.